Which company has the best looking volume knob on their amps?

[Neil Davis]

So, I guess we can imagine that Siri or Alexa have a nice set of symmetrical controls.

You can find symmetry, elegance and beauty in many places in modern design, if you are willing to open your eyes to new paradigms.

 

[Bigun]

NAIM

 

[Galu]

NAIM

That's the Naim Uniti Atom folks and its giant knob is a tactile triumph!

Precision Volume Control At the heart of Uniti is an audiophile volume control which adjusts level in the analogue domain to a premium digital resolution. Its ultra-smooth rotation and illumination is inspired by our reference amplification system, Statement. The lit volume segments are reflected in the same fashion on Uniti Atom’s intuitive remote control and will adjust accordingly on the top surface ring if the volume is changed remotely. We’ve also hidden the Bluetooth antenna here for a seamless aesthetic.

 

[Lojzek]

The most acceptable looking knob to me

It appears as if the design of a knob is not such a light task afterall. I have salvaged some black from an amp whose guts I threw away, except for the power supply and knobs, etc...The photo is off aliexpress.

 

[stokessd]

That's the Naim Uniti Atom folks and its giant knob is a tactile triumph!

I strongly agree. I've got an Atom driving my Quad 2912's and that knob is just fantastic to use. Smoooth, and it lights up when you get near it. The downside is that it's on top so you can't put the gear on a shelf with low top clearance. The remote is also a joy to use. If you move it it lights up and it's not IR but uses RF with a zigbee. All in all a fantastic product.


But talking about knobs, I have always liked the Audio Research preamp knobs, Easy to grab, a nice diameter, and an odd shape, not round, not square, easy to know the position just by feel.

Audio research pic...

For non-audio knobs, old general radio or leeds and northrup gear had some fantastic knobs in their day.

Sheldon

 

[Pano]

Agree about the Audio Research knobs. Great design and execution.

 

[Galu]

I really should support my indigenous hi-fi manufacturer!

 

[PRR]

Over in the broadcast field, Vassos (designer) really-really looked at the knob and devised a shape which was iconic on RCA broadcast gear from the 1930s into the early 1970s (when insipid "computer inspired" design came in). Some of what he worked into his knob is not relevant here: we don't hang on a knob for hours like a broadcast engineer. However they are seriously stylish and now sought-after (also cloned) for studio gear.

 

[Charles Darwin]

That Vassos runs a very close second to the chicken head in my book.

 

[Galu]

John Vassos, designer extraordinaire - thanks PRR!

Here's one of his other designs in action, preceded by some essential technical information!

YouTube

 

[Pano]

For me the Gates console knobs where like the Vassos, but better. Maybe he designed them?

 

[KaffiMann]

+1 for the Audio Research knobs, they're great.

I found this one on ebay, and it goes to 100!
Potentiometer Knob 27mm Volume Amp Dial Plate 6mm Hole for Shaft Radio Tuner DIY | eBay

 

[chrisb]

But that’s only in percent, and I think Nigel’s conceit was that 11 is 10% more than the highest setting.

 

[chrisb]

And they have no knob! Maybe that's one of the things they're looking for in a potential partner?

Well, a lot of men might have trouble finding it, but the most effective response is from that little button.

 

[Mr_Zenith]

Featuring preloaded double ball bearings, it turns smooth like silk.
Integrated touch sensor and display, so nothing else needed on the front plate.

That is just too cool!

While I readily admit to being a big fan of the knobs on those old RCA and Gates mixer consoles, I'm a bit surprised that nobody has mentioned the vernier dial on the National HRO receivers. I know it's not strictly an audio component, but it can be considered as a sort of "granddaddy" to Calvin's multifunction knob.

The 5-window display was only part of the magic, as it was coupled to a silky-smooth worm-drive transmission that was built like a tank. All in all, an elegant design perfectly suited for the time.

Oh yeah - and did I mention that it goes to 500?

 

[jfetter]

45KN012-GRX Eagle Plastic Devices | Mouser

My favorite.

 

[jfetter]

A thing of beauty.

-

 

[KaffiMann]

Well, a lot of men might have trouble finding it, but the most effective response is from that little button.

I have no problem finding the capacitive sensors on my Google Home unit, if that's what you're insinuating.
You sort of get a feel for it.

 

[Charles Darwin]

My favorite.

Thanks!

I feel less alone now.

 

[chrisb]

A thing of beauty.

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care to expound - got a minimalistic steampunk (is that even possible?) look about it